It's usually not mandatory to wear a sports guard when playing soccer. However, the risk of sustaining head injuries has led to many dentists recommending that players protect themselves by wearing sports guards -- and some guards may even help to improve performance.
The Rule Book
FIFA is world soccer's governing body, and its "Laws of the Game" do not require players to wear a sports guard. The only protective items that the rules demand are shin guards and footwear. However, some local sports bodies require the use of sports guards, particularly for children's soccer.
Risks
Soccer may not seem to present as great a risk for head injury as, for example, football, baseball, rugby, hockey or lacrosse. However, soccer is a contact sport, and the lack of protective equipment used means that head injuries are sometimes preventable. Goalkeepers are particularly at risk, both from being hit by fast-moving balls and by opponents' feet, arms or heads when diving for the ball. A study of all soccer injuries in Norway from 1979 to 1983 published in the June 1987 issue of "Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology" found that approximately 20 percent were dental injuries. Goalkeepers were indeed found to be more at risk, as were men compared to women.
A Graphic Example
Iwan Roberts, the former Welsh international soccer player, lost teeth at the age of 18 when he collided with an opponent's elbow. Although he wore false teeth for social occasions, he was easily recognizable by the gap in his smile while playing. Roberts capitalized on his distinctive look by titling his autobiography "All I Want for Christmas ... "
Expert Recommendation
The American Dental Association recommends that anyone playing soccer consult a dentist about getting a mouth guard. An ADA advice sheet says, "Mouth guards help cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. It's believed that they also may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions."
Performance Enhancing?
As well as offering protection, some sports guards could actually enhance performance, according to FourFourTwo.com. Under Armour produces mouthguards that it claims can reduce cortisol -- a performance-sapping hormone that's released under stress -- by preventing clenching of the jaw. Heurelho Gomes, the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, is one of the players who have chosen to wear the Under Armour guard.
References
- FIFA: Laws of the Game
- "Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology"; Dental injuries among Norwegian soccer players; S. Nysether; June 1987
- "All I Want For Christmas ... "; Ewan Roberts with Karen Buchanan; 2005
- "Journal of the American Dental Association"; The Importance of Using Mouthguards; July 2004
- FourFourTwo Performance: Want to play harder? Bite down on this
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